NOBODY likes to imagine being the victim of a theft, but unfortunately, it can happen to even the most vigilant of us.
If you’ve had your car keys stolen, don’t panic: there are ways to quickly and easily settle the situation. Follow the below steps to make sure you’re on the fastest track to a resolution:
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Determine that your keys have been stolen
It sounds basic, but sometimes it’s not always obvious whether your keys have been stolen… or whether you’ve just misplaced them. Retrace your steps, check the obvious (and the not-so-obvious) places, try and remember the last time you had them in your possession. If you’re certain that your keys have been stolen, then you can skip by onto step 2.
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Secure your car
You need to make sure that if your car has not been stolen, you secure it in a safe location to prevent a potential theft. If you have a spare set of keys to hand, drive your car to your own garage, or block it in with another car to make a theft more difficult.
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Report the theft to the police
If your keys have been stolen in a mugging or a break-in to your property, it’s important that you report the crime to the police as soon as possible. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to link a theft or burglary back to a suspect, but an investigation can at least be opened, and the theft can be put on record.
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Contact an auto locksmith
Not everyone has easy access to a spare key, and it might be that yours was stolen, or you never had one at all. An auto locksmith supply of keys is wide-ranging, thanks to their tools that enable them to cut any key to fit any number of locks. They can automate your car to prevent programmed keys and fobs from being able to open your car, and fashion new keys to fit your existing locks.
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Call your insurance
Your auto locksmith may need some time to arrive, and while you’re waiting, you can call your insurance provider and let them know of the situation. Dependant on your cover, you may be able to reimburse the cost of having your keys cut. Be sure to note down any requirements your insurance provider may have relating to the key cutting process, as you may need to have your locks changed altogether.
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Prepare for the future
Having your keys stolen is something that most people wouldn’t want to experience once, let alone twice, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Prepare yourself for the future by keeping a spare key somewhere safe (and away from your original set of keys), and make sure your master key is kept on you at all times possible for maximum security.
Perhaps you could benefit from a key chain that you can attach to your belt loop, or a round-the-neck key holder that you can tuck under your shirt, helping you to minimise the risk of a future theft.
